Numbers 22:3 states: "Moab was very afraid of the people, because they were many. Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel."
This verse describes the state of fear and anxiety that gripped the Moabites due to the arrival of the Israelites. Let's break it down:
"Moab was very afraid of the people, because they were many." This refers to the nation of Moab being terrified of the Israelites. The sheer size of the Israelite population, after their long journey through the wilderness and victories against other kingdoms, was intimidating. The Moabites saw them as a large and potentially overwhelming force.
"Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel." The word "distressed" indicates a deep sense of anxiety, anguish, and worry. The presence of the Israelites posed a significant threat to Moab's security, territory, and way of life. They were concerned about a potential invasion or conflict.
In essence, this verse sets the stage for the events that follow in Numbers 22. The fear and distress of the Moabites prompted their king, Balak, to seek supernatural assistance by hiring the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites. This fear stems from the Moabites' perception of the Israelites as a large, powerful, and threatening group on their borders.
Numbers 22:3 states: "Moab was very afraid of the people, because they were many. Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel."
This verse describes the state of fear and anxiety that gripped the Moabites due to the arrival of the Israelites. Let's break it down:
"Moab was very afraid of the people, because they were many." This refers to the nation of Moab being terrified of the Israelites. The sheer size of the Israelite population, after their long journey through the wilderness and victories against other kingdoms, was intimidating. The Moabites saw them as a large and potentially overwhelming force.
"Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel." The word "distressed" indicates a deep sense of anxiety, anguish, and worry. The presence of the Israelites posed a significant threat to Moab's security, territory, and way of life. They were concerned about a potential invasion or conflict.
In essence, this verse sets the stage for the events that follow in Numbers 22. The fear and distress of the Moabites prompted their king, Balak, to seek supernatural assistance by hiring the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites. This fear stems from the Moabites' perception of the Israelites as a large, powerful, and threatening group on their borders.